Porsche News

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 04, 2021

The All-New Porsche Electric Sport and Cross eBikes Are N...

Porsche continues to dominate the road and track with its line of luxury performance-focused models, which means it’s time to venture into new areas. The German automotive manufacturer is proud to announce its presence in the electric bike industry with the all-new Porsche eBike Sport and Cross. Each frame is constructed from carbon fiber and aluminum displaying the Porsche logo proudly, while the Sport model is presented in White and the Cross model in Black. The two new models are equipped with the latest powerful Shimano EP8 motor and 504 Wh battery, capable of achieving a top speed of 15.5mph. The drivetrain of Porsche’s eBikes is managed using a Shimano Di2 11-gear unit, while braking is controlled with Magura MCI high-performance brakes. Porsche enlisted help from top bike part and accessory manufactures like Crankbrothers, Continental, and Fox Racing to ensure the most premium riding experience for anyone in the family. While designing the eBike, Porsche integrated options such as a Shimano color display as well as embedded LED front and rear lights to safely provide optimal visibility at night. The Porsche eBike Sport and Cross are currently available in Small, Medium, and Large sizes starting at $10,700. Shop Porsche eBike

By Andrew Nabors – March 04, 2021

Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo Debuts in Four Flavors

Social Media is making it hard for automakers to hide updates to their lineup, so we're thankful the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo has debuted in four flavors. The global premiere began a few minutes ago with the Taycan 4 Cross Turismo. It will arrive with 476 horsepower (in overboost) to reach 62 mph in 5.1 seconds. Next up is the Taycan 4S Cross Turismo rated at 571 horsepower. It does the same trick a second faster, but they don't compare to the Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo. You will have 680 horsepower with a time of 3.3 seconds. The first three models are rated to offer a range of 280 miles, but if you can settle with 260 miles, the Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo leaps to 62 mph in 2.9 seconds thanks to 761 horsepower. Perhaps the best feature is the off-road package. It rides 30mm higher to incorporate unique bumpers and protected rocker panels. Another accessory for your active lifestyle is a bike rack that doesn't block the tailgate. Porsche has set a goal to exceed 50% electric car deliveries by 2025, and we think their future is fully charged. Stay with us for all your Porsche news. Shop Porsche Taycan Images (C) Porsche A.G.

By Andrew Nabors – March 03, 2021

Porsche Travel Experience Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Life is short, so the journey should be just as important as the destination. Spending time with friends in enchanting locations is why the Porsche Travel Experience is celebrating its 25th Anniversary. A group of like-minded enthusiasts has been tapped to tell their favorite memories in this new series. No other manufacturer supports their fans in such a way, and that is why each experience sells out almost immediately. This year's schedule outshines any travel blogger. With locations ranging from Croatia to Iceland and the Black Forest to Belfast, the sights and tastes have been curated to make memories of a lifetime. I wish I had the vacation time to join them this year, so that's why each story will be hosted here. Stay with us for all your Porsche news. Shop Porsche

By Andrew Nabors – March 01, 2021

Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport Drifting Is Just a Regular D...

Last week we saw how he is a regular guy, so Porsche Cayman GT4 drifting is just a regular day for Tanner Foust. The 2nd episode in this series pushes the famous driver to perform memory exercises in cold weather. Aside from the freezing Finnish conditions, the latest GT4 offers 414 horsepower and a chassis that is tuned for maximum grip. The mid-mounted flat-six and a PDK transmission are a match made in heaven, and it allows 60 mph to arrive in 3.7 seconds. Supercar performance without a pompous price is why the Cayman Clubsport is so appealing, so click the button to find yours! Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 01, 2021

Porsche Taycan Art Car Being Auctioned by RM Sotheby's

Switzerland has been hit hard by Covid, so that's why a Porsche Taycan Art Car is being auctioned by RM Sotheby's. This masterpiece was created by artist Richard Phillips in front of a Zurich restaurant back in December. It is the centerpiece of an upcoming auction from April 6 to the 13th, with all proceeds going to Suisseculture Sociale. Richard started up front by adapting his famous work from 2010. Queen Of The Night is his large-format painting inspired by Swiss artist Adolf Dietrich. At nearly 8 square meters, the landscape thanks to the Taycan for carbon-neutral luxury. The car is embarking on a tour of Switzerland, and your dealer has the itinerary. The Taycan price and specs make it perfect for your collection, so stay with us for all your Porsche news. Porsche Taycan For Sale images (C) Porsche Cars North America

By Edward Jones – February 26, 2021

PTS Club Blue 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S For Sale

I have to admit that I'm a sucker for blue cars (I'm even in a Facebook group dedicated solely to blue cars). If you are too, or if you're a fan of the unreal 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S, then The Porsche Exchange has the perfect car for you. This example of the 2021 911 Turbo S is finished in Club Blue (Club Blau) and is downright mesmerizing. The color used is paint-to-sample, making this an incredibly unique example of the 911 Turbo S. Like all-new 911 Turbo S examples, this one has incredible power. With an increase of 32 horsepower over its predecessor for a total of 572 hp with 553 lb-ft of torque, this German sportscar is an absolute rocket. In fact, its acceleration is also stated to be 2.7 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster than the previous generation. This 911 Turbo S is for sale in new condition with a blue/black interior that perfectly matches the exterior. For more information, be sure to click the button below. View Price and Listing

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 26, 2021

Porsche Design's New Eyewear Collection Now Available

Recently, Patrick Dempsey was introduced as Porsche Design’s 2021 brand ambassador and face of the new Eyewear Collection. After much anticipation, Porsche Design is proud to release an array of new sunglass styles with the automotive inspiration behind each pair. The highlight of the lineup is the Porsche Design P’8688 Liquid Titanium, a style worn by Dempsey while behind the wheel of a Porsche 992 911 Cabriolet. The lenses feature VisionDrive technology, a polarized treatment that offers a decisive optical advantage for the ultimate driving experience. The titanium frame offers lightweight comfortable wear while providing the strength to uphold wear and impact. Just as all other sunglass styles in the collection, the P’8688 Liquid Titanium is available in four different frame and lens color options. The Porsche Design Eyewear Collection featuring Patrick Dempsey is currently available to shop by clicking the link below. Shop Porsche Design Eyewear For more Porsche Design news, Check out Porsche Design Spring/Summer ’21 Fashion & Sport Collections Now Available

Tests in Grossbritanien Testing in Great Britain

By Andrew Nabors – February 26, 2021

2022 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo is Testing Around the W...

In order to offer a perfect electric crossover, the 2022 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo is testing around the world. Their latest press release likens their upcoming model as a "Swiss Army Knife on 21" wheels". As such, the camouflaged test mules are approaching 100,000 kilometers. Equivalent to 25 trips around the Equator, they have been heat and cold-soaked to punish the battery's thermal system. The Taycan has separate cooling circuits for the motors, batteries, and the cockpit's heater core, and the computer connects them to send heat where its needed. If you don't need the long roof, check out the Taycan sedan price and specs then give our dealers a call. Porsche Taycan For Sale Images (C) Porsche A.G.

By Andrew Nabors – February 26, 2021

Porsche Top 5 Examines the "Moby Dick" 935-78

Captain Ahab would give up if he saw this beast. The latest episode of Porsche Top 5 examines Moby Dick, the iconic 935-78. Taking the 911 to within an inch of the rulebook was not easy, and it set precedents for aerodynamics for all to follow. The first Flachbau (Flat Nose) was so popular that a conversion kit was offered for new Porsche 911s for sale. Four decades later, a successor was offered as a new 935, an unchained track car based on the GT2 RS specs. Our dealers always have a few examples for sale if you need a centerpiece for your collection, so click the button to find yours. Stay with us for all your Porsche news. Porsche 935 For Sale Image (C) Porsche A.G.

By Andrew Nabors – February 25, 2021

New Porsche Taycan Delivered By Mark Webber

While we're slowly warming up, it feels like Summer Down Under. So its perfect weather for a new Porsche Taycan to be delivered by Mark Webber. He has been a critical part of the car's development. Not only in driving, but offering insights to fans around the world. Sales of the Taycan Turbo and the 4S models are defying our dealers' forecasts, and the big news is the arrival of the Taycan RWD. The entry-level model starts at only $81,250, but we can't guarantee Mr. Webbber will be available. If you need to drive the world's fastest indoor car, click the button below and stay with us for all your Porsche news. Porsche Taycan For Sale Image (C) Porsche A.G.

Porsche News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe